Nobilo Best Wine From New Zealand
The following is from The Arizona Republic. John Kraljic
White from New Zealand bursts with balanced flavor
The Arizona Republic
John Carlos Villani [email protected]
The Arizona Republic
Jan. 21, 2004 12:00 AM
The Nobilo Wine Group, founded in the mid-1940s by Croatian-born Nikola
Nobilo, is one of New Zealand’s largest producers. Nobilo makes
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and ice wine.
Named the Best New Zealand Wine Producer at the International Wine &
Spirit Competition in London last October, Nobilo was praised for its
2002 Icon Series Sauvignon Blanc, picked by Wine Spectator magazine as
one of its 100 Best Wines.
While the 2002 edition of this affordable wine is sold out, there’s a
plentiful supply of the 2003 Icon Series. Crafted from grapes grown in
Marlborough, this Sauvignon Blanc originates from vineyards whose soils
vary from gravelly and sandy to thick and loamy. The result is a wine
with balanced character.
Taste: In the spirit of classic Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand, the
2003 Icon Series carries forth with a crisp citrus sachet that’s
beguiling and invigorating. The very pale color is deceptive; the bottle
is loaded with subtle and sensual flavors. The aroma combines scents of
fresh-cut grass with a touch of lemon and wood, while the flavor is a
full-mouth explosion of balanced grapefruit, herbs and eucalyptus. The
finish is brief yet smooth, with a slight hint of mint.
Goes with: Fresh seafood, especially oysters and chilled Dungeness crab.
It also would be ideal with salads and poultry.
Availability: $15.99 at AZ Wine Co., 2515 N. Scottsdale Road,
Scottsdale, (480) 423-9305.
Reach the reporter at (602) 444-8384.